It is because of projects like this that Mindstorms or some sort of robotics curriculum should be available in all schools, as part of their STEM/STEAM initiative.

This mini amusement park was designed, built, and programmed by Beatrice, a student of Brics~2~Bots Lab (private organization) using various LEGO elements, the Mindstorms EV3 robotics system, and arts & crafts materials. There is a FreeFall ride, a Carousel, and a Ferris Wheel. First, she did research on the various rides and learned a little bit about the physics behind the ride. Each ride was designed after looking at pictures of real rides and then interpreted into LEGO building materials. Each ride was programmed separately and then combined into one program controlled by a touch sensor.

iMovie was used to enhance the video and add carnival music.

Read more about this project at Knights of Bots, a blog by Brics~2~Bots Lab students.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

If you haven't received your Animal Allies Field Set-Up yet, here is a sneak preview...This year's challenge mat has a beautiful background. Last year, Trash Trek mat (introduced for the first time), a second line to the Base line it was called the Safety area which included the Base as well. This year as you can see there is a second line, but this year the whole area of the two lines to the Southwest corner is just considered Base.

The weight and texture of the mat seems to be the same as last year's mat, which is nice.

Notice the triangular shape in the lower southeast corner? I wonder what that is for? Update: that is where the referees will put the "penalty" discs (manure - poop!)

There are black lines for location detection and line following to the models, including a circular area. Hmmm, why and how can this be used? Notice the cow? The model with the cow probably will go there. Update: It's a milking center for the cows!

By the way, remember the chicken, cow, and pig from the Food Factor Challenge that were just there for decoration? Well, the chicken made its debut last year in Trash Trek and it seems the cow and the pig finally get their opportunity this year.

STEM to STEAM

Not to long ago the U.S. educational system realized it was lagging in the areas of math, and science. So STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Math became the new focus in education in an attempt to improve the quality of these subjects, get students interested in these subjects so that we could inspire them to pursue careers in these areas. LEGO Technology and Mindstorms Robotics is a natural tool for teaching STEM.

Now there is a new movement emerging STEM + ART (and DESIGN) = STEAM. Well, you might be saying, “Oh no, not another buzz word.” However, if you think about, Art and Design can be found in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Art and Design can actually help improve on our innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math in our quest to improve the quality of life and our future existence.

And of course, LEGO Technology, Mindstorms Robotics, and littleBits definitely fits in the STEAM objectives.

Learning Code

Inclusion!

Helping an urban community to learn technology!

This non-profit organization was created by one of my former middle school students & FIRST LEGO League team member of the Cyberbots.

Brics~2~Bots Curriculum

Why Brics~2~Bots?

It’s a challenge, it’s hands-on, it’s learning in action. John Dewey set forth the theory that we learn better by doing - we take the knowledge and apply it by building. With LeGology Technology, littleBits Electronics, & MINDSTORMS/TETRIX Robotics Engineering students learn by designing, building, & coding. The benefits of such a curriculum goes beyond the science concepts that can be learned, the math theories that can be explained, and literacy skills that are practiced through communication between students, reflective journals and design worksheets; students express their creativity & learn to problem solve together to reach a goal - creating and inventing “cool devices” capable of awesome tasks. LeGology Technology, littleBits Electronics, & Robotics Engineering (Brics~2~Bots) are great for a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts/Design, Math) program, because it touches on all these subjects.

To see some of the projects by students at Brics~2~Bots, type in "B2B Lab" in the Search This Blog in the sidebar.

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About Me

I have been involved with LEGO® & robotics since 2002. I was the coach of NYC-FLL championship teams: Techno-Eagles, roboGbots, NYCityzens, Dragonbotz, Vulcabotz, Optibotz & The Cyberbots (FLL & FTC). Currently, I am a part-time robotics consultant who sets up LEGO Technology & robotics programs, conducts NXT & EV3 robotics workshops for schools & various organizations (AMNH). I am the Director/Instructor of Brics~2~Bots; a mini LEGO center that supports the S.T.E.A.M. initiative providing individual & small group instruction to children, gifted to special needs. Training & mentoring for new FLL coaches is also available. I am un-shamefully an AFOLAR - Adult Fan Of LEGO And Robotics! ;-)